Written ‘Nods
Below are ‘Nods to priests who have made a favorable impression in someone’s life. It’s important to let our priests know they are appreciated, respected, and supported.
Want to create your own ‘Nod? Click the “Create a ‘Nod” button to learn how you can submit a video or audio recording, orgininal artwork, or a written statement.
Fr. Mark Villano
I wanted to extend a ‘Nod to you Father for the work you do with OCIA and young adult ministry. Those spaces matter so much, especially for people who are asking real questions, coming back to faith, or figuring out what they actually believe — and having priests like you in those roles makes a huge difference. You have a way of meeting people where they are without talking down to them or over-complicating things. I also really appreciated Journey to Jerusalem — it’s such an approachable, thoughtful read, grounding Scripture in real life in a way that feels honest and human. It’s the kind of book you can sit with, reflect on, and actually come away changed. Thank you for showing up the way you do and for using your gifts to help people feel at home in the Church.
Fr. Casey Cole
Thank you for the way you use social media and your YouTube channel “Breaking the Habit” to meet people—especially young Catholics—right where they are. In a world where so many voices compete for attention, your Franciscan witness of simplicity, humility, joy, and honest conversation cuts through the noise and reminds people what the Gospel actually looks like lived out. Reaching young Catholics matters deeply right now, and what you’re doing helps make faith feel approachable, thoughtful, and real rather than distant or abstract. Your work reflects the heart of St. Francis: going out, not waiting to be found, and preaching Christ through presence and love.
Staff Submission
Fr. Allen Hoffa
Thank you immensely for all that you do for spouses who have a husband/wife with a sexual addiction.
I was that wife. I was married only ten years with 6 young children when I realized that my husband had a deeply hidden sexual addiction. I could have easily left my husband and taken the children with me, but through the grace of God, and the spiritual direction of a solid priest, I persevered for another 20 years in a celibate marriage, praying constantly for my husband. I knew that had I left, my children would be high- risk for all kinds of trouble.
I recall the Priest saying, “if your husband had a physical illness, say cancer, would you care for him?”
I answered arguably, “yes, but this is different!.”
Through the guidance of a dear priest, I relied on God, daily Mass, mental prayer, spiritual reading and the Rosary as my guide.
We were married 30 years when my husband died of a heart attack. I was able to get a priest to give him his last rites.
I cannot tell you how grateful I am to that priest and to God for giving me the grace of perseverance.
I hear of so many young wives that leave their husbands – oh, how I wish I could counsel them to stay and carry the cross. I had a friend who was in a similar circumstance and she left her husband. Years later, after their divorce and after he passed away, she confided in me that she wished she had stayed. Her children were lost and suffered tremendously.
I am a youthful 63 year old who has the love and affection of all of my children and now grandchildren. Please, please encourage women to stay the course – and wait for the resurrection.
I actually wrote the entire story into a book – I should try and publish it. Who knows, maybe some solid producer will make it into a movie.
Lastly, all the actors, actresses, film crew, photographers, etc. that have driven people into sex addiction – may God help them.
Angela
Fr. Bryan J. Carney
I don’t even know where to begin to thank you for the incredible care and support you give families during one of the most difficult times of their lives. From the very first moment you step into the hospital room, it’s clear that you are the kind of chaplain who truly meets people where they are—without judgment and with patience. The way you guide people through the prayers, offers comfort, and helps those feel God’s presence in that moment bringing a peace and hope that are difficult to put into words. Not only does your ministry provide comfort to family members, but it also touched me deeply on a personal level. It made me realize just how essential chaplains are—not just in our churches, but in hospitals, where people are vulnerable, scared, and searching for hope. Thank you for your unwavering dedication, your gentleness, and your ability to make God’s love so tangible in moments of fear and uncertainty. Your presence brings light in a dark time, and your example has strengthened my own faith in ways I will carry with me forever.
Gene
Source: https://thetablet.org/
Fr. Michael J. Bartholomew
Thank you for being the kind of priest you are—so caring, welcoming, and genuinely devoted to everyone in your parish. The way you guide and support people, while building a community centered on the Eucharist, really makes a difference in all our lives. I’m especially grateful for everything you do for the Spanish-speaking Catholic community, helping everyone feel seen, valued, and connected to God. Thank you for all the time and heart you pour into your ministry—it’s clear how much you care and how much of a positive impact you have on all of us.
Maria
Source:https://suffolktimes.
Fr. Thomas Fallati
I just want to extend a ‘Nod to you for everything you do to support other priests and guide those figuring out their own call to the priesthood. Hearing your story — how you felt God’s call, spent years in law, and then stepped fully into the priesthood — is so inspiring. Even though you’re not practicing law anymore, it’s amazing how that experience shows up in your ministry, giving you insight and perspective that make such a difference. The way you care for priests and parishioners alike really shows how God can use every part of our lives for His work, and I feel so grateful to witness that through you
Mack
Source:https://evangelist.org/
Fr. Chris Ballard
Source: https://vocations-
Fr. Robert Ruggiero
Source: https://brooklyneagle.
Fr. Martin Chouinard
Father, thank you so much for the heart, time, and energy you bring to parish life. Your involvement in outreach and the way you consistently show up for people in the community truly matters, especially in moments when presence and listening make all the difference. The care and intention you put into the OCIA program really stand out — you create a space that feels welcoming, thoughtful, and safe for people who are honestly searching, asking big questions, and taking brave steps in their faith. Your approach makes people feel seen and supported, and that kind of ministry leaves a lasting impression. The impact of your work is real, and it’s clearly shaping lives in meaningful ways. A ‘Nod to you and continued prayers for your strength in the vocation.
Staff Submission
Source: https://www.stastm.
Msgr Dr Anthony Barratt
I just gotta say—thank you. Really. For being the kind of priest who shows up, who talks to people like they matter, and who makes this parish feel like more than just a building. You’ve got this way of making faith real—through your homilies, and just how you carry yourself. People notice, believe me. It’s not just about Sunday Mass; it’s how you teach, and how you guide folks through the tricky stuff in life and in faith. You make the Church feel alive and human, and that’s no small thing. So thank you for being there, for listening, for teaching, and for just…being you. You make a difference in a way that sticks with people long after they leave the pews.
Thomas
Source:https://evangelist.org/
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